Treatment Skills Development Laboratory

Force Sensing Tables within the Treatment Skills Development Lab provide students with the ability to finely tune their manual treatment skills (including manipulation, adjusting, mobilization and massage) in a way that was previously impossible. The modified treatment tables, with internally embedded force plates, are capable of assessing several biomechanical parameters of manual manipulation to all spinal regions and extremities. Feedback, displayed in newtons, provides sensitive and precise measurements of force along the xyz axes, providing opportunities for further research through the scientific advancement of therapies.

In 2011, Dr. David Starmer and team began to develop a foam Thoracic Adult Analog manikin on which students can practice manipulations and which can accurately mimic human tissue response to chiropractic manual manipulation. The current model has evolved to include a head, neck, shoulder, spine and pelvic girdle embedded within the foam, allowing it to even more closely represent human response. The models are used with Force-Sensing Table Technology to provide comprehensive feedback to users.

In 2013, a delayed video feedback system was added, allowing students to view their own manual manipulation procedures. Laboratory time in the Treatment Skills Development Lab was incorporated into the curriculum for Year I and Year II students in 2013. All other students and faculty are welcome to use the facility.

Ongoing research within this laboratory focusses on learning and learning retention.